LAND DEVELOPMENT ON WEST COAST: VISIT OF N.Z. BOARD

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 October 1947, Page 5

LAND DEVELOPMENT ON WEST COAST: VISIT OF N.Z. BOARD

To obtain first-hand information concerning the prospects of developing West Coast farm lands, together with land at present lying idle, members of the Land Settlement Board propose to visit the province shortly. The decision to take this action is a sequel to representations which have been made by the Westland Progress League for over two years.

A deputation from the League approached the Minister of Lands and Rehabilitation, Mr C. F. Skinner, during his visit to this district in March, 1945, and pointed out the potentialities of the province for an expanded programme of land settlement, with particular emphasis on the opportunities for opening up fertile land for former servicemen. Since that time, the league has frequently been in communication with the Minister and other Government members and departments on the subject, and a survey of the whole district was undertaken by agriculture experts from Lincoln College, Christchurch, last year. Further discussions and investigations had taken place recently, stated Mr Skinner, in a letter read by the league this week, adding that he had concluded that the best course was for a sub-committee of the Land Settlement Board to visit the West Coast and meet representatives of the league and other interested organisations. “By this means,” he said, “we will get much further, and achieve a better understanding. This is a particularly busy time for board members, but they will make the trip at the first opportunity, and give you ample notice of their arrival.”